What Our Editors Thought
Lovely clarity and color, decent foam. The aroma is hitting the dunkel-like notes I'd expect—some crusty dark rye drizzled in a little dark caramel. The balance in the flavor works—lightly sweet, softly bitter, drying out nicely in the finish with a slight sourdough tang. This drinks well, leaning toward the dry and bready side. A little sweetness might help mass appeal, but I like how this works altogether.
What Our Panel Thought
Inviting in the glass, red highlights on edges of bright brown appearance. Remarkable persistent tan head. Dark bread on the nose, hints of spices. The aroma delivers a melange of nutty grain notes with some sesame seed and mutligrain cracker, accented by a lightly herbal-woody hop presence. Dry acorn-like nuttiness starts the sip before veering into more indulgent pumpernickel and toasted bread crust flavors. Rich on the tongue, with sweetness lingering through finish. Straightforward medium body. Finishes dry but still satisfying, with some additional brown bread malt notes in the retronasal.
What the Brewers Say
Brewed with Root Shoot’s Light Munich, Munich 10, and Roasted Buck Naked Barley, this Dunkel is double-decocted for a deep, malty richness. Expect layers of chocolate and a touch of coffee, wrapped in a smooth, full body. Pours dark brown with scarlet highlights.